ÔIS HERBAL THERAPY RIGHT FOR
ME?Õ
People everywhere are once
again turning to herb therapy to maintain health and combat minor ailments such
as colds and flu. The increased concern and incidence of antibiotic resistant
bacteria is one of many good reasons to turn to more natural cures for our more
common ailments.
Modern medicine is rooted in
herbal tradition and many drugs have been developed by chemically synthesizing
the active constituents of plant herbs. Some of the more common examples are
aspirin derived from the bark of the white willow tree and digitalis (used for
heart irregularities) which comes from the foxglove plant.
Here are some of the more
common questions to ask yourself when considering herb therapy.
Q. If IÕm not sick should I
still take herbs?
A. Herbs are utilized in many
ways, as tonics, for healing, to restore balance and reduce stress. When used to
restore tone and balance take the herb for 4-6 weeks then discontinue use. For
healing use herbs that match and relieve symptoms. A symptom can be something
as simple as fatigue or tiredness. If you know that fatigue and tiredness may lead to flu or
cold start therapy right away since herbs work best if taken before symptoms
are full blown. When your symptoms subside discontinue use.
Q. There are so many ways
to take an herb, should I use capsules, tablets, teas or tinctures?
A. Most choose a form
convenient for their lifestyle that being tablets or capsules, but there are
advantages to liquids such as tinctures and teas. The active ingredients in liquid
herbs are more easily assimilated and are more potent without the binders and
fillers found in tablets and capsules.
Q. Is it better to take a
single herb or combination formulas?
A. It depends on whom you ask
and the nature of the problem. My thoughts are keep it as simple as you can. If
you have simple indigestion, nausea, insomnia or minor headache a single herb
may be all thatÕs called for. If you have the flu with sinus congestion, aches
and pains, headache and more, a combination of herbs that act synergistically
may restore balance more quickly.
Q. Are there side effects
when you use herbs while taking prescription medications?
A. Herbs are plant medicines
and they can be very powerful. Using an herb to address a problem for which you
are already taking a prescription medication for is not a wise idea. Simple
herbs such as ginger, garlic and parsley used in cooking may be the best way to
utilize the healing power of herbs for those taking prescription medications.
Herbs give us the ability to
take more responsibility for our health and healing. If taken as directed they
are safe and have little or no side effects. Next time you have a nagging
headache or indigestion, and have to go out anyway, why not head to the health
food store for some herbs. Your body will say thank you. Till next time,
Rebecca